Former Vikings star QB Tommy Kramer announces dementia diagnosis

After Brett Favre announced that he is now battling Parkinson's disease, former Pro Bowl quarterback Tommy Kramer announced Wednesday that he is suffering from dementia.

Kramer, 69, took to social media to say he was diagnosed with the cognitive disorder during a visit to the Cleveland Clinic last year.

The 14-year NFL player said Favre's announcement during a congressional hearing on Tuesday prompted him to make his own statement.

He added that doctors gave him a life expectancy of two to 10 years, but said during a recent visit that his condition had not “worsened.”

“I've lived a great life and wouldn't change anything,” Kramer wrote. “Nobody wanted to win more than I did and I never gave up, and that's exactly how I'm going to fight this thing.”

Kramer added that he is aware of the risks of playing football, but said he would like to see more support from the NFL for former players who find themselves in a similar situation and cannot afford their own medical care.

“I know there are players out there that I played with that need all the help they can get,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, the NFL is just trying to pay for my medical bills and therapy that my private insurance doesn't cover. I hope I can raise a little awareness so the NFL can help other and future players battling illnesses like mine.”

Kramer was selected in the first round by the Vikings in 1977 and played 13 seasons in Minnesota. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 1986.

His 24,775 passing yards and 15 fourth-quarter comebacks rank second in franchise history, while his 159 air touchdowns rank third.